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Ok, I’m going to have another go at this. I’m in a room adjacent to where my kiddo is doing online classes this morning. I have some thoughts that I hope can help any of you out there who are having to do synchronous sessions.
First, saying hello to the students is really helpful. Just that. Saying their names with a greeting as they come into the room. Asking them how their weekends went. And so forth. It sets the tone for the class. It is not a waste of time (imho).
Second, if you want to lecture students, that’s fine and probably good, BUT it is _really helpful_ to break it up a bit (this applies to both onsite and online learning).
A few ideas: A poll question, a question they respond to on chat, asking them to vote on something using the emoji response, or other. Just get them to _do_ something every 10-15 minutes (remember human attention span has limits and being in zoom has implications!).
Third. Explaining how to do things is also great. Working through an example problem or demonstrating something related to a reading assignment is particularly useful. Then ask them use it—work a sample problem or whatever.
Fourth, asking a question and then calling on students to respond is fine. Is a good idea to give them a minute to think or write first, which will also give you better responses.
Fifth, I know some folks have trouble with breakout rooms and people leaving and such, but they seem to work well in the 16yo’s class. The trick seems to be giving them a specific task to complete and a somewhat tight timeframe. (Use with care.)
Sixth, a summary or recap seems to be helpful. What were they supposed to learn? What should the takeaway be?
I know times are tough right now, but just talking to the students is _huge_. They really need the interaction right now, maybe as much as anything else. Talk to them. Please.
Signed: A mom in the next room over.
